Portuguese yellow vest protest flops, fails to block traffic

Protestors sit down on the road to block traffic at Marques de Pombal main roundabout in Lisbon Friday, Dec. 21, 2018, in Lisbon. A nationwide protest in Portugal that seeks to emulate France's yellow vest movement has fallen flat, with few people turning out. Portuguese protesters attempting to disrupt morning rush-hour traffic at various locations across the country were far outnumbered by police. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

A nationwide protest in Portugal that seeks to emulate France's yellow vest movement has fallen flat, with few people turning out.

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Portuguese protesters are attempting to disrupt morning rush-hour traffic at various locations across the country Friday, but they are far outnumbered by police.

The protest grew out of a Facebook page that aims to give voice to people angry about the state of the country.

Organizers say the Portugal Yellow Vest Movement is non-violent and not aligned with any political party, though at least one fringe party was conspicuous at a demonstration in Lisbon.

A manifesto includes a long list of demands, from lower taxes to higher unemployment benefits, better public health care and an end to real estate speculation.